What makes a Good Interpreter

Interpretation is often an underestimated job role, mostly owing to lack of knowledge in its regard. Understandably, since the field of languages, began to gain momentum only from the past few decades or so. People commonly fail to understand the difference between a translator and an interpreter. Translation is the conversion of written text, whereas interpretation refers to conversion of spoken subject matter.

Interpretation, as a profession is highly demanding since it goes much beyond translation of spoken matter. An interpreter must possess the following qualities so as to contribute productively during any assignment :

Fluency in the required language

It goes without saying, that the interpreter must have achieved an advanced level of proficiency in the desired languages. Incompetency may lead to a situation where communication may be rather abrupt or inconsistent. Also, both parties may not really be able to express themselves fully, or in a manner that is required. Apart from fluency, the interpreter must also be culturally & contextually sound, to avoid miscommunication.

Possess extensive vocabulary & industry-specific knowledge

Interpretation assignments vary from one industry to another. This calls for thorough knowledge of different domains and their respective vocabularies. Since time is an invaluable factor during interpretation, the interpreter must adapt and equip himself as and when required. Also, this job requires one to keep themselves updated about current happenings of the concerned industry. For instance, interpreters for machine installation or interpreters for business meetings must prepare themselves well beforehand of such assignments where they will have to use technical terms.

Maintain neutrality & confidentiality

It is essential that the interpreter maintains neutrality, regardless of whether he/she agrees or disagrees with what is being conveyed, between the two parties. Interpreters are mediators, which means, they are not required to give their opinion or suggestion, for any discussions. The business meetings may well be private or sensitive in nature; in this case, interpreters are expected to maintain utmost confidentiality. Certified translation companies providing interpreters have agreements in place, for every assignment & the interpreter is expected to adhere to the same.

Professional attitude and punctuality

This profession lends itself to frequent travelling in and around the country. It is imperative that the interpreter reaches the venue well in advance, as it not only exhibits professionalism, but also aids the interpreter to get a heads up about the environment and people. In other words, a professional interpreter will not cause delays during any assignment.

Impeccable listening and recalling skills

The span of time that an interpreter receives, to listen and convey the exact same information, is barely anything. Therefore, to make sense of what was said, in such a short time, good listening & recalling abilities are required, without which, there is a possibility of missing out on important matter from the discussion.

Possess a calm and composed personality

Interpretation can be primarily segregated into two categories, viz. Consecutive and Simultaneous interpretation. The latter can prove to be tedious and exhaustive, as it requires interpreters to make the most of their mental faculties, which may or may not always work in their favor. To cope with such stressful situations where they are expected to coordinate and express themselves without delay, it becomes vital to have a personality that is pleasant and composed.

It is clear from the above points that without interpreters, it would be rather difficult to manage business relationships with international clients, thereby creating unnecessary hurdles for the required business processes. We, at CMM Languages provide professional & qualified interpreters all across India as well as in China.